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At just 16 years old, Dina Black is already living the college experience most high school students only imagine. A homeschooled student from Hillsborough, NJ, she’s pursuing part-time courses at Raritan Valley Community College through the early credits program.

“I wanted to challenge myself and take general education courses on a college level to be better prepared for a four-year college,” says Dina, who began her RVCC journey in the fall of 2023.

Since then, she has explored a wide range of subjects, from Anthropology and Sociology to Chemistry, Biology, and advanced math. This semester, she’s enrolled in Calculus I and Molecular and Cellular Biology.

“RVCC has given me the chance to delve into subjects in more depth than I could on my own,” she explains. “It’s preparing me not just academically, but also helping me learn how to manage time and responsibilities.”

Beyond the Classroom

Dina’s RVCC journey isn’t just about academics—it’s also about leadership, service, and community. When she isn’t studying, she fills her days with a wide range of extracurriculars and volunteer work. She serves as VP of Membership and Recruitment in RVCC’s Student Government Association, co-chairs the SGA Food Committee, and even led the Astronomy Club as president in Spring 2025. She’s also a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges.

Beyond campus, she leads a virtual English club for Ukrainian children through Earthlings Hub, a nonprofit supporting students affected by the war, and also volunteers at the RVCC Planetarium. In addition, she works as a Logistics and Operations intern at a local food pantry—an experience that has shaped her career ambitions.

“My passion for food insecurity comes from working at the food pantry,” Dina says. “Seeing hunger in my community made me want to use science and policy to make a difference.”

A Global Perspective

This past summer, Dina’s passion for public policy took her all the way to Tallinn, Estonia. As a Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Young Scholar, she was selected to attend the Peace and Diplomacy Studies Global Navigators program, where she and other students explored international governance and diplomacy.

Visiting Estonia’s Parliament and government ministries gave her new insight into how other countries approach health, social policy, and sustainability. One highlight was the Vabamu Museum, which tells the stories of Estonia under Soviet occupation.

“Hearing the accounts of survivors was heartbreaking, yet their resilience and strength were deeply inspiring,” Dina says. “Walking through medieval castles and learning about Estonian history was magical. My understanding of the world expanded so much, and I hope to return someday as a researcher or university student.”

Looking Ahead

Up next, Dina hopes to double major in Biology and either Public Health or Urban Planning. She’s drawn to universities in urban settings where she can explore her passion for food systems and community well-being.

“My eventual career goal is to be a scientist who uses quantitative skills to solve global issues like food insecurity,” she says. “I want to improve systems like food supply chains and make sure our community members have access to what they need to live with dignity.”

As she looks to the future, Dina credits RVCC for giving her the confidence and foundation to take on new challenges. “RVCC has been such a supportive environment,” she says. “The professors are always willing to help, and there are so many ways to get involved outside of class. I’ve been able to challenge myself academically while also finding a community that encourages me to grow.”

About RVCC’s Early College Programs

Dina’s story is just one example of how RVCC empowers motivated students to start their college journey early. Through early college programs, high school students can enroll in credit-bearing courses that put them ahead academically and financially.

If you’ve ever wondered, “what is pre college?”, RVCC makes it easy to explore. Students can take advantage of pre college programs, dual enrollment, and summer programs for high school students that provide real-world experience and a smooth transition to higher education.

Families often ask, “Which community college is the best in New Jersey near me?” RVCC consistently ranks among the top schools in NJ thanks to its strong academic offerings, supportive faculty, and wide variety of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.

Whether you want to accelerate your path to a degree, explore career interests, or simply challenge yourself, RVCC’s pre college programs offer a flexible, affordable, and high-quality start to your education. Ready to get started? Explore RVCC’s pre college programs today or click here to apply!